Question

Constructed Response Question
Aleeya wants to figure out how long it would take a miniature and standard sized can of coke to come to room temperature once she takes them out of the refrigerator. She hypothesizes it will take two-thirds as much time for the mini can to come to room temperature compared to the standard can. Describe a procedure to test her hypothesis. Make sure to consider which variables will need to remain constant for both the miniature and standard sized cans of coke.

Answer 1

To test Aleeya's hypothesis, she can conduct the following procedure:

1. Obtain a miniature can and a standard sized can of coke from the refrigerator.
2. Measure the initial temperature of both cans using a thermometer.
3. Place both cans on a flat surface in the same room with controlled temperature conditions.
4. Set a timer to track the time it takes for each can to come to room temperature.
5. Stir each can at regular intervals to ensure even distribution of heat.
6. Measure the temperature of each can at specific time intervals (e.g. every 5 minutes) until they both reach room temperature.
7. Calculate the total time it takes for each can to reach room temperature.
8. Compare the results and determine if Aleeya's hypothesis was correct.

Variables that should remain constant for both the miniature and standard sized cans of coke include the initial temperature of the cans, the temperature of the room, the method of stirring, and the location of the cans in the room. This will ensure that any differences in the time it takes for the cans to come to room temperature can be attributed to their size and not external factors.